I’m pretty addicted to gadgets. It’s partly because I’m a male geek. I read blogs about gadgets. I obsess over gadget deals daily. I tend to wander toward kitchen gadgets at Ikea. I enjoy playing matchmaker with gadgets and people who may not need one.
However, I don’t like junk and clutter. So, though I get drawn to the new and shiny things, I think through how a particular gadget will augment my life before I consider buying it. I believe that’s helped Jenni not get worried when I go on and on about gadgets in our conversations at the dinner table.
With that in mind, there have been a few gadgets that are essential, a great value, a time-saver, or too cool not to have.
1. iPod touch
I’ve only had one for nine months, but its usefulness and fun-factor has made it too cool not to have. Granted, if I had more disposable income, I’d probably rather have the iPhone, but the monthly cost for an iPhone is more than our joint monthly cellphone bill. Still, as mobile web usage goes up in general, I will likely get a smartphone to stay up with my industry.
The biggest benefits of my iPod touch are specific apps. Various camera apps allow me to have a photo and video camera with me anywhere (though the image quality is not quite up to par). That’s handy for more than photography like note taking. When I go grocery shopping, I take a photo of the list Jenni has made on a whiteboard.
I’ve enjoyed discovering new music through Pandora, having a calendar with me at all times that’s synchronized with my work and personal Google calendars, a calculator to help me with calculating tips, and having maps with me (which does work without wifi if I preloaded it before leaving). I can go on and on.
2. Google Chromebook CR-48
Perhaps this one is controversial, or could be generalized better. My computing experience shifted when I started bringing my work MacBook home in the evenings. The trackpad was so well designed and functional with multi-touch that I could actually use the laptop without a mouse.
However, I always felt odd that the MacBook had more personal use than work, so I was glad that I got a Chromebook CR-48 from Google. However, it couldn’t replace the MacBook initially because it couldn’t play Netflix and crappy trackpad drivers. But after many software, I can leave my work MacBook at work.
There are a few things I still can’t do on the CR-48 because the operating system is a browser, but the gap is shrinking.
Why is a laptop useful? I can have recipes at the kitchen while I’m cooking, I can type blog posts while Jenni works on a video project. It comes awake from sleep super-fast, so when I just need to check something online, I am in-and-out quickly. I can watch Day9’s StarCraft 2 tips while doing dishes.
The biggest advantage with the CR-48 is the free 3G modem, so I can have internet anywhere for two years as part of the pilot project (100 MB monthly limit though).
3. Logitech mm28 Portable Speaker
This little trooper has been great for when I watch something on a laptop and the sound is too soft from the laptop’s speakers. It has incredible battery life for 4AA batteries, and something easy to pack for travel. I bought it on sale and have never regretted it.
It’s also great for when I can’t wear headphones or want more ambient music throughout the room. I use it for listening to sermons or Pandora on my iPod as I clean bathrooms and other household chores.
4. Motorola S305 Bluetooth Headphones
Any audiophile would probably blow off such a ridiculous idea, but the usefulness of wireless headphones cannot be understated. I can’t believe how many times either my headphones have ripped off my head or have my head jerked because the cable got wrapped around my chair’s arm. These headphones are a god-send because I don’t have to mess with the cables, can change volume and tracks on the headphones, and can pair with my iPod and phone at the same time.
I prefer the behind-the-neck style because I can hear sounds in my environment. I use them at work while I program so that I can hear when someone is trying to get my attention. I highly recommend wireless headphones to anyone who listens to music while they work. It’s great for vacuuming, washing dishes, or any tasks that doesn’t require your full attention.
Go Go Gadget!
That’s my list for now, I’m sure I’ll have other gadgets to mention in the future. Gadgets that I have my eye on lately are a wired gaming mouse (Logitech G400), a 128 GB SSD for our desktop computer, and a tablet (Kindle Fire!). I do like my toys…